Winery

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Chateau Leoville Poyferre

Léoville Poyferré Has Been Owned By The Cuvelier Family (Who Also Own Château Le Crock) Since 1921, Yet It Was Not Until The 1970s, When Didier Cuvelier Took Control At The Château, That Quality Began To Improve.

In The Last 20 Years, Didier, With The Assistance Of Michel Rolland Since 1995, Has Turned Léoville-poyferré Into One Of St-julien's Finest Estates.

Region

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Saint-Julien

Saint-Julien is an appellation for distinctive red wines of the Haut-Médoc district of Bordeaux in the South West of France. The Appellation laws for Saint-Julien were created in 1936 and state that its wines must be made from grapes grown within the villages of Saint-Julien Beychevelle, or other specific parts of the areas of Cussac and Saint-Laurent. Some of the most renowned grapes approved for growth here are Cabernet-Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Located between the more famous appellations of Pauillac and Margaux, this wine region is a respectable source of refined, aromatic wines which also carry tannic and masculine notes.

Producing over 450,000 cases of wine each year, Saint-Julien is divided into two vital areas, which include the riverside estates around the village of St. Julien and Southern estates around the village of Beychevelle. Home to over 26 vineyards spanning an area of 910 hectares, this area is the smallest of the major Bordeaux appellations in Médoc, but has the highest ratio of classified terroir of any Bordeaux region. The soil type of this region is made up of extremely fine gravel for the vineyards bordering the river and for those vineyards more inland, the gravel is mixed with clay, that produce grapes with a wide spectrum of explosive flavour.

The deep well of gorgeous cassis, blueberry paste and blackberry puree flavors will carry this for the long haul. Shows a terrific graphite underpinning and a flash of cold charcoal. This is a big one. 95-98 points.

97*

points

Neal Martin

The 2016 Leoville-Poyferre is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Didier Cuvelier told me that color leeched out naturally and he conducted an 8 day pre-fermentation maceration. Matured in 80% new oak with some malolactic in barrel, it has a typical bouquet for this estate with opulent but neatly controlled, billowing scents of black cherries, black plum, crème de cassis and violets. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine tannin, a killer line of acidity and perhaps one of the most harmonious Poyferré that I have encountered at this juncture. It just glides across the mouth and slips down the throat with consummate ease. Superb. 95-97 points.

Drink Date: 2024 - 2060

97*

points

Antonio Galloni

A huge, soaring wine, the 2016 Léoville-Poyferré is powerful, vivid and captivating. Vertical tannins and massive concentration belie the wine's 13.6% alcohol. The more virile, brooding side of Saint-Julien comes through in this decidedly potent wine. In 2016, many Saint-Juliens possess incredible richness and voluptuousness. Léoville-Poyferré is arguably the most tannic and brooding of the wines of the appellation. I suspect the 2016 will take many years to be at its very best. A rush of dark fruit, leather, smoke, tobacco and chocolate add the final shades of nuance. 94-97 points.

96

points

Decanter

This is always a big, dramatic wine which does well in big vintages. Right through the palate you feel the beautiful architecture, and the beauty of 2016 means that the final impression is of a sophisticated but supremely balanced wine with a modern construction. Damsons and bilberries abound, with clear tension where the skin of the wine is pulled tightly over the drum. It is less of a 'classical' St-Julien than some this year, but it is entirely of itself, and excellent. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, with a full 55% of the overall production making it into the grand vin, which has 3.66pH. Michel Rolland has been consultant for many years, working closely alongside owner Didier Cuvelier.

Drinking Window 2027 - 2050

Tasted by Jane Anson

96*

points

James Suckling

The buildup on the palate is impressive with blackberry and blueberry character. Plenty of currants, too. Full-bodied, linear and tight. Racy tannins and a long finish. Shows tension, depth, real raciness and pure finesse. A combination of the best from both 2009 and 2010. 95-96 points.

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